Christmas Meal

Our Christmas Meal as usual was very popular with 33 members meeting at La Cucina, Sidcup on 8 December.  It took a while for everyone to be seated before they took our food orders but this gave Judy time to collect all the Secret Santa presents which were distributed later on during our meal.  We had taken up most of the restaurant and hope that the other diners weren't too bothered by all our chat and laughter.  The evening was a great way for members to speak to each other, something we don't always have time to do during our meetings.  Judy gave thanks to Joy & Chris for organising our quiz in October and to Margaret for all her help over the last year.

Deansfield Xmas Fair

Over the past few months members have been collecting baskets which they then filled or donated items, these were then all collected, decorated and sorted ready for our tombola last Saturday November 28th.  A team of volunteers arrived at their allotted slot to set up tables, organise tickets and lay out all the baskets ready to sell.  A total of 116 items very rapidly disappeared once the fair opened at 1pm and by 2pm we were ready to pack up! The amount raised was £193 so well done to everyone who made this possible.  Below see pictures of members who helped to decorate baskets at Joy's one afternoon and the finished baskets on display before the rush.

November Meeting

Our last meeting saw David Sleep give us a very enjoyable talk about our namesake, Eltham Palace. David spoke with great enthusiasm about the history of the Palace and its most recent encumbants, Stephen and Virginia Coultauld. We much enjoyed learning about the royal connection with the Tudor kings and queens  and what a very special place Eltham Palace is!
A very big thank you to all our Members who had taken time to fill and decorate baskets for our tombola stall which we will have at Deansfield Christmas Fayre on November 28th, they all looked wonderful. I am sure it will be as successful as it was last year.
We meet in December for our Christmas meal and will share a glass of wine or two!

Severndroog Castle 23 October 2015

On Friday 23 October 2015 Four members met at mid-day at the triangular tower known as Severndroog Castle hidden in Oxleas Woods on Shooters Hill. Not strictly a Castle but a folly erected in 1784 as a memorial to Sir William James of Eltham Park by his widow to commemorate her husband's conquest of the castle of Severndroog on the coast of Malabar in the East Indies.  We had coffee in the tea room on the ground floor of the Castle whilst waiting for the opening time of 12.30pm. A number of walkers and dog walkers stopping for refreshments but luckily for us not many visiting the Castle apart from the students filming who did not want us to block their views! After paying to enter we headed straight to the top and the viewing platform where binoculars were provided for us to take in the spectacular views of London and beyond, up to thirty miles across London, Kent, Surrey & Essex on a clear day.  Ours wasn't the perfect day to see as far as Windsor Castle but we did get some very good views of the Thames and London, trees having been cut to allow clear views.  We then descended to the two lower floors to read about the history of the building.  We agreed it was well worth a visit especially to find out more about the Castle's history and seeing the expanding skyline of London and greenery of the area we live in.

 

 

 

Next Meeting

Our next meeting is this coming Tuesday where we will all be sporting "unusual headgear", haven't sorted mine out yet! I am looking forward to our speaker, Wendy, who will talk to us about nutrition. She will be able to offer advice as to what foods help common ailments and, which to avoid. Our next outing is to the recently refurbished and newly opened Severndroog Castle which has a viewing platform so we can share in the stunning views across the London skyline.

Quiz Night

Our last meeting saw us all with our thinking caps on as it was our annual quiz. It is always great fun but very competetive too! We thank Joy and Chris for all their efforts in preparing and presenting a well researched quiz. We have a number of "quizzers" in our midst and we hope to raise a team or two for a quiz next month which has been organised as part of the Eltham Arts Winter Festival.

A walk in Otford

 

And so… waited in the car park in the bright lovely sunshine until the head count agreed.

Chris, our trusted leader, started us on our way. Along the fields, over the sty’s, through Shoreham, across the road, up a steep, steep, steep incline to reach the ridge at the top of the Downs.

What a view! Wow! Here’s a photo of us at the top getting a little shade and then we stopped at the white cross on the hill for a short break.

 

 

 

Off again, across fields, through woodland, farmers yards etc.  ‘I’ve had enough now’ was sounded just as the end of the walk was in sight.

Into the coffee shop for a light lunch and a good chat, thinking will we be able to get up again after walking 6 miles.

A beautiful memory for one of the hottest days of 2015. Well done everyone.

Michele

Afternoon Tea at Eltham Lodge

For the first time since we formed our WI members voted to have Afternoon Tea instead of our usual August evening meal.  In total 19 members met at Eltham Lodge, one of the finest classical mansions in London, designed in 1664 and is the clubhouse of the Royal Blackheath Golf Club reputed to be the world's oldest golf club. We were greeted on arrival and led up the main staircase to the Dining Room where tables were laid out in groups of 7.  Tea and coffee were served immediately and then tray after tray of food was brought to the tables, first sandwiches and savoury scones followed by fruit scones with cream and jam.  A short interval before another tray of delicious cakes and just when we thought we couldn't eat anymore another tray of more delicious cakes! The room was lavish with fantastic views of the golf course, see photos below.  A couple of hours had passed before we made our way out, taking time to look at the display cases on the way.

 

 

 

 

A GRAND DAY OUT

 

On 2 June 2015 Pat Gooding and I were delighted to have the opportunity to attend a Royal Garden Tea Party.

 

The invitation came via the WI who were hosting a centenary tea party at Buckingham Palace; each branch of the WI were allocated 1 ticket each with a reserve place should numbers allow.  Along with our tickets we received information on the protocol for the day including dress code; we were both delighted to have the opportunity to dress up in our finery.

 

Over 8,000 members of the WI attended and the queue to get into Buckingham Palace stretched for some way but it was a good opportunity to chat to others, many of whom had come some way and were making an occasion of the event by staying in London for a few days, some were also attending the WI AGM the following day at the Royal Albert Hall where HM the Queen was the guest of honour.

 

Once inside Buckingham Palace grounds we went through the Palace into the garden and joined the crowds who were eager to catch a glimpse of the royal party.  The Duchess of Cornwall, The Countess of Wessex, Princess Alexandra and the Duchess of Gloucester split up into 2 groups and made their way through the crowds to the royal tea tent.  Pat was thrilled when the Duchess of Cornwall shook her hand as she passed along the throng of ladies.

 

At this point the clouds loomed and it looked very much that rain was likely, but luckily the strong winds kept the rain at bay.  Many had to sprint after their hats as gusts of winds played havoc with our headwear.

 

We made our way to our designated tea tent and enjoyed ice cream, sandwiches, cakes and tea.  Although there had been strict instructions that no photographs should be taken, once the royal party had left we were all able to take photos of one another to mark the occasion.

 

It was certainly a day to remember; Pat and I are both fans of the Royal family and will talk about the day for some time to come.

 

Terrie Duncan

 

 

Hot, Hot

There is only one word to sum up our visit to Lullingstone Castle, HOT! It was so hot that it detracted from the day some what. None the less many ventured out to see the creative memory boxes produced by some very talented ladies, they were exquisite. They depicted the 100 year history of our organisation and were truly beautiful! The scarecrows,also promoting ou histoy, were equally creative and great fun. Many thanks to Angela and Diana who worked so hard on our scarecrow with thanks also to Jean, Margaret, Ann and Sandra all who helped with the project and special thanks to Diana's other half for contributing his carpentry skills free of charge!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sweet Time

Just back from Carole's where a happy band of workers have been filling jars with sweets in preparation for our tombola stall at the CANE summer fayre on Saturday 11th July. We feverishly cut circles of material with our pinking shears and then had a wonderfully sticky time with glue and buttons! It was all worth it, they look glorious.. Thanks to all who contributed their time.

Garden Museum Visit

On Saturday 20 June 11 ladies enjoyed a day at the Garden Museum next to Lambeth Palace in London. 

The Museum is housed inside the deconsecrated church of St Mary at Lambeth, it had a display of garden tools and artefacts and there was an exhibition of the life and work of Russell Page a modern garden designer and of course a shop!

After visiting the knot garden and admiring the planting and tombs of Captain John Bligh and Elizabethan plant hunter and gardener John Tradescant we all enjoyed a very tasty lunch together in the Garden Café before heading home.

Tower Bridge 20 May 2015

On Monday 20 May 2015, eleven members met at London Bridge Station for a visit to Tower Bridge.  On the short walk from the station to the Bridge we were treated to the best that the British weather could throw at us, with torrential rain, hailstones and freezing wind and we arrived looking as though we had swum there.

The tour itself consisted of a couple of short films, a tour of the engine rooms and walk along the two walkways, which gave lovely views - one way towards Greenwich and beyond and the other way over the City.  Some of us braved a walk across the two glass floors.

A very pleasant day was enjoyed by all.

February Meeting

We had a good meeting last night with a couple of visitors attending whom we look forward 
to seeing again soon.
Our speaker, Elspeth spoke about her involvement as a structural engineer with the Crossrail project. It was well received and our thanks go to her for an entertaining evening. We next meet at the Whitehart for our birthday, 6 years, meal which we have couple with a fund raising quiz. Should be fun!

Yet again we had a really good meeting! Jani, our speaker, was paying us a second visit as we so enjoyed her first. Jani is an expert in the antiques trade and her talk was informative and great fun. We are looking forward to her next talk when she, hopefully returns next year. 
Jani was also good enough to judge our " wear/bring something for Easter competition" which was a tough task I can tell you!
Our next trip out is to a garden centre near Brands Hatch which, being a keen gardener, I am looking forward to. So bye for now, hope to see you at our next meeting.

5th Birthday Meal Tuesday 10 March 2015

It seems like yesterday that a meeting in January 2010 was held in Eltham for ladies interested in setting up a local WI, such was the response that 2 WIs were set up.  Eltham Palace WI held it's first meeting in March 2010 and last week we celebrated our 5th birthday with a meal at Sophie's Choice, Sidcup where 35 members got together for a really enjoyable meal, just see our pictures below!

February Monthly Meeting

Sounds like I missed a really good meeting! 
Unfortunately I could not make our last meeting but everyone I have spoken to has told me  how good our speaker was. He spoke on bees and was highly entertaining am I told, I'm sorry I missed him. However, he also speaks on cheese making so we will remember that when we come to craft our next program.
Our next get together is our birthday meal, I can't believe we have been together for 5 years, it seems like only yesterday when we first meet and agreed to set up Eltham Palace WI, long may it remain!

Musuem of Brands, Packaging & Advertising

This quirky museum is home to 150 years of consumer history, reflecting on how our shopping habits have changed. Also the huge impact of motoring, aviation, radio and TV and not forgetting the effects of two world wars and the gradual emancipation of women.
Excellent day out surrounded by friends we arrived at Notting Hill. Short walk to cafe, stopped off for a drink before moving on to museum close by. Pleasantly surprised - took me back to childhood days of visiting Grandma.
I would thoroughly recommend this venue to friends and family. After our visit everyone went their separate ways, to eat or sight see.

Bowling Night

The bowling night was on January 27 and 21 of us attended.  It was a lively, friendly gathering and our first job was to divide ourselves into teams and select the balls.  After that we settled down to the main event of the evening.  There was plenty of laughing and clapping when a member of your team made a particularly good score.  I did not understand the scoring.  I had only played it once several years ago, so I was very surprised when my team mates told me I had won a game (beginners luck).  We all finished about 9.30pm, said our goodbyes and went home.

All in all it was a very enjoyable event and to be recommended.

Written by Joan Bartram

Board Games Night

Our first meeting of the New Year is, by tradition, our board games night.  Thus it was on January 12 and very noisy it was too!

We had a great night with much laughter, good for the soul so they say.  It was also our 'Wear something red' night.  Basically we paid £1 to wear something red, our visitors, of which there were 4, judged the competition the winner walking away with £13 and our funds also £13 better off, a win win situation.

We also did some serious stuff too.  We listened to the list of proposed Resolutions to be put to our Annual General Meeting and then cast our votes for each proposal which will be added to votes from WIs all over the country giving us a short list to vote on in May before being put to our AGM in June.

We next get together for our bowling night out on January 27, can't wait!

WI Tombola 6 December 2014

Following our successful fund raising tombola in 2013 we repeated the idea for 2014 and during the months running up to Christmas baskets were collected and members asked to each take one home to fill with items for sale at the tombola.  These were brought to our November meeting and the quality, decoration and range of contents was amazing.  At our committee meeting the final touches were put to the baskets in preparation for Saturday 6 December when they were taken to Deansfield Primary School Christmas Fair where 6 members set up tables and began selling!  They all went very quickly and we raised £262 which was far more than last year.  Roll on the next event! A big thank you to everyone.

 

London Walk 29 November 2014

"Temple to the Tower" - City Free Walk

It was a warm sunny afternoon as Pam, Theresa and I set off to London for the WI walk.

We arrived at Temple Tube Station after strolling down from Charing Cross 45 minutes early! So like Samuel Johnson and Dr Pepys we retired to a London Coffee House (Costa's) for coffee and cake!

At 3.45pm we made our way to the meeting point outside the tube as fellow members began to pop up from the underground.  It would seem they were coming from all directions.  In total a 14 strong group of Eltham Palace WI.

Pam went in search of Juliet our guide and to our surprise found we had been joined by a 30 strong group of international tourists, but in true WI "can do spirit" we all set off for St Clement's Danes Church and a tour of the city.

At first it seemed strange to have an Australian showing a bunch of Londoners the city but Juliet knew her stuff as she was studying for a Master's Degree in History at the LSE.

As dusk began to fall and the lights came on.  She took us back on a journey to Tudor times.  We passed the Royal Courts of Justice and onto the Temple Church, home of the Knight's of St John.  As the darkness fell we visited the Sergeants Inn Chambers where Shadlake worked in the C J Sampson novels.

As night descended we slowly wound our way up Fleet Street and paused outside "Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese" pub dating back to 1667 and we then moved on much to my husband's disappointment.  At St Pauls Cathedral, we sat on the steps listening to the history after the Great Fire and the battles over design between Wren and the King.

Then it was down to the river front as the temperature fell and we passed the wobbly bridge along the Embankment on the north side, past Billingsgate and the Customs House.  Slowly our numbers dwindled partly through distance and temperature.

This part of the walk showed off the modern side of  London with its impressive architecture and the lighting of the Shard shining like crystal in the night.  There was also the dome shape of the London Assembly buildings and the New London Bridge with its orange glow reflected on the water.  For the photographers in the group this provided a great opportunity.

Finally, we turned back from the river and made our weary way up to the floodlit Tower of London with Tower Bridge in the background.  Sadly most of the Poppies from the Remembrance Day had gone but we stood and listened as Juliet told us about the history.  She then concluded her tour, donations were given and we said our goodbyes.  At the end of the evening we felt fitter and certainly more knowledgeable about our lovely capital city.

Carole Raine, Vice President